Bicycles are an ideal form of transportation for navigating high density areas.
Because city traffic typically moves at a slow pace, bicycles can usually travel as fast as cars through downtown areas.
They don't have to circle around looking for a parking spot and can reliably park directly in front of their destination.
They are also lightweight, relatively inexpensive to maintain, and provide a great source of exercise.
Like all vehicles though, bicycles are at risk of being involved in traffic accidents, which can be particularly severe if the cyclist is injured.
Bicycles are a unique form of transportation.
In addition to following standard traffic laws, there are other safety concerns that bicyclists should keep in mind whenever they are riding.
Knowing the specific risks that bicyclists face can help to raise awareness and prevent potentially devastating collisions.
Risk #1: A driver doesn't see you.
This is probably the greatest risk that bicyclists face.
When riding at night, always have a front and back light to maximize your visibility.
Wearing a bright colored shirt helps with visibility as well.
When riding in the road, it is best to take the rightmost lane (meaning ride in the middle of the lane, not to the side) unless there is a lane specifically for bicycles.
It is much easier to see a cyclist in the middle of a lane than one who is crammed to the side.
If the road lane is particularly wide and you feel that cars could pass you in the lane at a safe distance, consider riding on the right side of the lane but keep a three foot distance from the curb.
Risk #2: Miscommunication.
Sometimes drivers, especially those not used to riding around bikes, fail to anticipate what a bicyclist is going to do.
As a road user, you have a responsibility to always make your intentions clear.
Learn the hand signs for left turns, right turns, and slowing or stopping and use these signals as you would signal in a car.
Let cars know if you plan to turn left or slow down so that they can adjust their speed and direction accordingly.
When riding on the sidewalk and approaching an intersection, always look to see if a driver in the road is planning to turn before you cross.
The driver may not see you getting ready to cross the intersection from the sidewalk, and if you fail to communicate with him or her you could be hit.
Risk #3: Intolerant drivers.
Some drivers are overly aggressive, particularly to anyone who uses the road who isn't in an automobile.
They may tailgate bicyclists, pass too closely, cut in front of them, brake suddenly, honk, or otherwise act recklessly.
Remember that you have as much of a right to the road as any other driver, but also be smart with your decisions.
It may be best to pull over and let the reckless driver pass to put some distance between you.
If you see a driver behaving dangerously or experience a near collision because a driver was behaving recklessly or otherwise breaking the law, call the police and report the plate number and a description of the vehicle.
Particularly in cities, the police take threats to vulnerable road users - including bicyclists - very seriously.
For More Information If you have been involved in a collision as a bicyclist, the driver may be responsible and you may be entitled to compensation for injuries and damages.
To learn more about bicycle accidents and injury liability, please visit the website of experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorneys at the Charles D.
Hankey Law Office, P.
C.
today.